Best Things to Do in Virginia

29/01/2023

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

A peaceful and picturesque place, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sprawls across a massive area just north of the Commonwealth’s capital Richmond. Dotted about its fabulous themed gardens and flowerbeds are lots of arresting artworks and a beautiful glass conservatory.

Often included on lists of the best botanical gardens in the nation, it opened in 1984 with more than a dozen different sections now laid out about the site. While some are home to perennials and roses, others such as Asian Valley and the ‘old-fashioned’ Victorian-style garden feature traditional design elements specific to their theme.

The real showstopper is of course its classical glass-domed conservatory – the only one in the mid-Atlantic. Alongside its exquisite architecture, it has a large collection of exotic and unusual plants to explore, ranging from cacti and succulents to orchids and even a live tropical butterflies section

29/01/2023

Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus

One of the largest and last battleships ever built by the US Navy, the WWII-era USS Wisconsin is now permanently docked along the Elizabeth River. At the magnificent Nauticus maritime center in Norfolk, you can take tours above and below deck and learn more about her fascinating past.

Lying down by the waterfront, the state-of-the-art center has all kinds of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the area’s maritime environment, industry and military. As well as a small aquarium, there are three floors of model ships and hurricane simulators to see alongside the historic Schooner Virginia outside.

The highlight though is the hulking great grey battleship which was awarded five battle stars for her service against Japanese forces in WWII. On top of her gigantic guns and combat center, guests can venture below deck and hear about the action she saw in the Gulf and Korea.

27/01/2023

27/01/2023

Virginia Capitol Building

At least rivaling and possibly even outdoing Monticello is the fabulous Virginia Capitol Building in the center of Richmond. Since 1792, the spectacular colonial-style structure has served as the state’s seat of government with informative tours around its cavernous interior now available.

Due to the onset of the American Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson urged the capital to relocate from Williamsburg to Richmond. He also helped design the bright white building whose arresting Ionic columns and pretty portico overlook the rest of downtown and the James River.

Impressively enough, the capitol houses the oldest elected legislative body in North America as the Virginia General Assembly was first established in 1619. Tours cover the history of the state and influential figures like Washington and Jefferson, while fine art and architecture are on show throughout.

25/01/2023

Sandbridge Beach

If after all the sightseeing and outdoor adventures you’re looking for a quiet stretch of sand, then the serene Sandbridge Beach may be the perfect place for you. Despite lying just a short drive down the coast from the Oceanfront District, it feels a world away from Virginia Beach’s hustle and bustle.

Unlike its northern neighbor, the small seaside community has no hotels with only vacation houses and condos being available for rent. Thanks to its relative remoteness and almost unending Atlantic beaches, the narrow strip of land it occupies between the bay and ocean has a very relaxed feel.

Aside from hiking the dunes and marshes of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can simply lounge on the beach or kayak and sail around the small town’s surrounding waters.

23/01/2023

Monticello

One of the finest and most-visited stately homes in the US, the majestic Monticello can be found on the southeastern outskirts of Charlottesville. The former residence of President Thomas Jefferson, it has fascinating tours to take around its elegant interior and gorgeous gardens.

Actually designed by Jefferson himself, the massive mansion boasts some exquisite Palladian-style architecture with an impressive colonnade lying in front of its octagonal dome. From 1768 to 1809, he altered and improved the property which was the grand centerpiece of his sprawling plantation.

On enthralling tours of the huge house, you’ll hear about his achievements and even see his personal ideas reflected in the decoration of its interior. While exploring its grounds, you can stop by the old slave quarters and learn about the lives of the poor enslaved laborers on the estate.

21/01/2023

Natural Bridge

Nestled in the vast Shenandoah Valley is one of the state’s most striking sights: the incredible Natural Bridge. Towering 215 feet tall, its lofty arch loops over Cedar Creek with a gigantic gorge and verdant woodlands lying all around it.

Now protected as part of a state park, the craggy limestone formation makes for some great photos with fine views on offer from atop it. Worshiped for centuries by the Monacan Indians, it was later owned by Thomas Jefferson and even defaced by George Washington who carved his initials into it.

Due to its spectacular size, Natural Bridge has been a major tourist attraction for well over 200 years. After taking in the enormous arch, leave some time to hike along the creek and see the rest of the park’s woods and waterfalls.